Insulated pipe-line union for electrolysis control



March 29, 1949. T TUDOR 2,465,669

INSULATED PIPELINE UNION FOR ELECTROLYSIS CONTROL Filed July 18, 1947 mews J? TUDOR Patented Mar. 29, 1949 UNITED STATES FATENT OFFICE INSULATED PIPE-LINE UNION FOR ELEC- TROLYSIS CONTROL 1 Claim. 1

This invention relates to pipe unions and more particularly to an insulating union for use in high pressure pipe lines to minimize corrosion due to electrolysis in the pipe line.

A main object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved insulating pipe union which is very simple in structure, easy to install and which provides a secure liquid and gas tight joint.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved insulating pipe union for electrically insulating adjacent pipe sections of a pipe line to thereby minimize corrosion of the pipe line due to electrolysis, said union involving inexpensive components and providing a secure mechanical connection between the adjacent pipe sections, yet eflectively insulating the sections electrically from each other.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claim, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is an elevational view showing the component parts of a pipe union constructed in accordance with the present invention, said parts being shown in a dis-assembled condition.

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken axially through the assembled pipe union of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective detail view of a. flanged insulating collar employed in the pipe union of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the upper pipe section of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, II designates a first pipe section and I2 designates a second pipe section to be joined to pipe section II. Pipe section II is enlarged at its end portion as shown at [3, and welded or otherwise rigidly secured to said enlarged end portion is a flange [4. Pipe section 12 is formed with an enlarged end portion l5 which is further enlarged at the end of the section opposite flange I4 of the adjacent pipe section to define a flange i6 somewhat smaller in outside diameter than that of flange M. In the annular seat defined between flange I6 and the main annular body of enlarged portion [5 is positioned a flanged collar ll of insulating material and bearing on collar I1 is a ring member I8 which is clamped to flange M by a plurality of bolts 19 passing through and uniformly spaced around the flange l4 and ring I8 and secured by nuts 20 threaded on the bolts.

Interposed between the opposing faces of flange l6 and flange l4 are a plurality of annular gasket rings 2| which are compressed by the bolts [9 to form a liquid and gas tight seal between the two pipe sections. Gasket rings 2| are of insulating material.

It is thus apparent that when the pipe sections are connected together by the structure above defined, said sections will be securely joined and at the same time will be electrically insulated from each other. Conduction of electrolysis currents from one pipe section to the next adjacent pipe section will therefore be prevented and corrosion of the pipe line will thereby be minimized. At the same time, a joint of high mechanical strength able to withstand high pressure is provided by the above structure.

Although a plurality of gasket rings 2| are shown in the specific embodiment illustrated in the drawings, a satisfactory joint according to the present invention may be obtained by employing only one such gasket ring.

While a specific embodiment of an insulated pipe joint for oil, gas or other fluid substances, has been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that various modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that no limitations be placed on the invention other than as defined by the scope of the appended claim.

What is claimed is:

An insulated pipeline union of the class described comprising, a first pipe section having an enlarged end portion and a flange rigidly secured thereto, a second pipe section having an enlarged end portion and an integral flange carried thereby, said pipe sections being disposed in coaxial alignment with said flanges thereof adjacent one another, a gasket disposed between said flanges, the second flange and end portion providing right-angle faces, a flanged collar of insulating material in bearing engagement with said faces, a ring around said second pipe section and engaging the outer surfaces of said flanged collar, said second flange being of less diameter than the first flange and said ring being of substantially the same diameter as said first flange, a plurality of spaced bolts carried by said first flange and passing by said second flange and then entirely through said ring with parts projecting beyond the latter, and nuts on said projecting parts drawing said pipe sections together and compressing said gasket and collar.

THOMAS J. TUDOR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

